Launch your marketing career with the NTT DATA 2026 Young Talent Marketing Programme. Learn eligibility, responsibilities, skills required, application tips, and how the programme builds future go-to-market leaders.
If you are a recent graduate with a passion for marketing, storytelling and digital innovation, the NTT DATA Young Talent Marketing Programme 2026 is a career bridge worth considering. This graduate initiative places newly qualified marketers inside a major global technology firm where marketing activity connects to world-class technology: cloud, AI, cybersecurity and enterprise systems. The programme is built to give you structured exposure to real campaigns, measurable outcomes and mentorship — the ingredients that turn classroom theory into a professional career.
This long-form guide explains what the programme involves, who should apply, what skills will help you succeed, how to prepare a strong application, and why the experience matters for your long-term career in marketing.
Why the programme matters: marketing at the intersection of technology and business
Marketing in a company like NTT DATA is not only about creative ideas and campaigns. It is also a strategic discipline that translates technical advantages into customer value. In a world where technology is embedded into every sector, marketers must be able to:
- Translate technical features into business outcomes.
- Align campaigns with sales and go-to-market objectives.
- Measure performance and iterate quickly.
- Localise global campaigns so they resonate in local markets.
The NTT DATA Young Talent Marketing Programme is designed to teach all these capabilities. If you want to become a marketer who understands both creativity and commercial impact, this programme gives you the exposure you need.
What the role looks like: practical responsibilities and learning outcomes
When you join the programme as a Marketing Graduate you will rotate through core marketing activities—everything from campaign planning to content creation and performance tracking. Typical responsibilities include:
- Assisting with planning and executing integrated marketing campaigns that support business objectives and lead generation.
- Producing content for blogs, social media and thought leadership pieces that speak to both technical and business audiences.
- Supporting email campaigns, digital marketing activities and event coordination (virtual and in-person).
- Helping to monitor campaign budgets and producing performance reports using tracking tools.
- Collaborating with sales, product and technical teams to ensure marketing messages align with product capabilities and commercial goals.
- Localising global or regional campaigns, adapting language and creative assets to the South African market while preserving brand standards.
These activities are selected so you learn the full lifecycle of a campaign: ideation, execution, optimisation and reporting. You will be expected to contribute ideas, execute tasks to deadlines and progressively take more responsibility as the programme proceeds.
Who the programme is for: profile and minimum requirements
NTT DATA targets early-career marketers who will benefit most from a structured graduate programme. The specific eligibility criteria are clearly designed to create a level playing field for first-time entrants to the workplace.
Minimum requirements
- South African citizen aged 26 or younger.
- Completed (or completing by the end of 2025) a degree or diploma in Marketing, Communications or a related field.
- Based in Johannesburg or willing to relocate to Johannesburg.
- Must not have previously participated in a registered internship or graduate programme.
These requirements prioritise first-time job seekers and ensure the programme supports early career entry.
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Who will thrive in the role
- Graduates who are curious about how technology impacts business.
- Writers and storytellers who can explain complex ideas clearly.
- Team players who enjoy cross-functional collaboration.
- Candidates who can balance creativity with attention to detail and deadlines.
Skills and attributes that make a strong candidate
To excel in the programme you’ll need a combination of soft skills, creative instincts and basic technical marketing skills.
Core attributes
- Creativity and idea generation — the confidence to propose new approaches.
- Clear written and verbal communication — ability to write succinctcopy and present ideas.
- Confidence and the willingness to challenge assumptions constructively.
- Strong prioritisation and project management — managing multiple deadlines.
- Collaborative mindset — comfortable working with sales, technical, and product teams.
Practical skills that add value
- Familiarity with social media content creation and scheduling.
- Basic understanding of digital marketing channels (email, paid social, search).
- Comfort using MS Office (PowerPoint for decks, Excel for simple reporting).
- Basic analytics literacy — understanding metrics like click-through rate, conversion and engagement.
- Any exposure to marketing automation, CRM, or content management systems is a plus.
Optional technical skills
- Experience with tools such as Google Analytics, HubSpot, Marketo, or similar platforms.
- Basic design skills (Canva, Adobe Spark) for quick content mockups.
- A foundational understanding of B2B vs B2C marketing approaches.
What to expect from the programme structure and culture
NTT DATA positions the programme within a culture of innovation and professional growth. Expect a formal graduate induction, structured rotations and regular performance feedback. Typical features include:
- Rotational exposure to different marketing functions: demand generation, content & thought leadership, digital, events, and go-to-market execution.
- On-the-job training with clear deliverables and mentor support.
- Workshops and masterclasses on topics such as storytelling, digital analytics and campaign optimisation.
- Mentorship from senior marketing managers who will provide coaching, feedback and career guidance.
- A collaborative environment where internships evolve into real contributions to campaign delivery.
The culture emphasises continuous learning, inclusion and responsible innovation. NTT DATA’s global scale gives local graduates access to global best practices and the chance to see how marketing works across markets.
How the programme accelerates your career: outcomes and progression
This graduate programme is designed to develop future go-to-market specialists. What previous participants and hiring managers typically report as outcomes:
- Rapid improvement in strategic thinking and campaign execution skills.
- A portfolio of work: writing samples, campaign summaries and performance reports that you can show future employers.
- Improved confidence in stakeholder engagement (working with product, sales, and technical teams).
- Clear pathways into mid-level marketing roles such as Campaign Specialist, Content Strategist, or Demand Generation Analyst.
- The practical habit of testing, measuring and optimising campaigns for tangible business results.
A successful year in this programme places you ahead of peers who enter the market without practical exposure.
Application process: how to prepare and submit your best application
NTT DATA uses a formal recruitment process. Preparing carefully will increase your chances.
Before you apply
- Ensure you meet the eligibility criteria, especially age and graduation date.
- Prepare a concise, targeted CV that highlights relevant project work, student campaigns, freelance content, or digital projects.
- Draft a short cover letter (or motivation) explaining why you want a career in marketing and why NTT DATA’s environment appeals to you. Mention any relevant coursework, internships, or volunteer work.
What to include
- Contact information and availability (able to relocate to Johannesburg if required).
- Education details: degree, institution, year of graduation.
- Practical marketing examples: university projects, blogs, social campaigns, event coordination, or volunteer communication roles.
- Any software or tools you can use (Excel, analytics, content platforms).
- Short list of two references (academic or professional).
During the recruitment
- You may be invited to a skills assessment and interviews. Prepare to discuss campaign ideas, write short marketing copy, or analyse simple campaign metrics.
- Bring examples: even student work or class projects count. Be ready to explain your contribution and results.
Fraud and authenticity
- NTT DATA will only contact applicants from @nttdata.com addresses. Do not share banking details or pay anyone to be considered.
Interview and assessment tips: show both creativity and business sense
When you reach the interview phase, demonstrate your marketing mindset:
- Start with the audience: show how your ideas solve a problem for a target customer.
- Use clear structure: state the objective, describe the approach, and explain how you would measure success.
- Be specific: if asked about digital channels, reference actual metrics (open rates, CTRs, conversions) and how you would improve them.
- Show collaboration: explain how you would work with sales or product teams to align messaging.
- Bring a work sample: a blog post, social media plan or a short campaign brief—explain your role and impact.
- APPLICATION PROCESS
Assessments may test writing, analytical thinking, or scenario planning. Practice under time pressure and get comfortable expressing ideas clearly and concisely.
Compensation, location and practical details
The programme is delivered in Johannesburg (applicants must be based there or willing to relocate). Compensation and benefits are set by NTT DATA and typically align with graduate market rates and company policy. The key value lies in the structured learning, real-world responsibility, mentorship and career progression.
Diversity, inclusion and ethical recruitment
NTT DATA emphasises fairness and inclusion. The company does not tolerate discrimination and seeks to create an environment where people from diverse backgrounds can succeed. This commitment is central to the graduate programme: applicants are assessed on potential, aptitude and cultural fit rather than background alone.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)
Q: Do I need prior work experience?
A: No. The programme is aimed at first-time job seekers who have not taken part in formal graduate or internship programmes.
Q: What if I am not based in Johannesburg?
A: You should be willing to relocate. The programme is based in Johannesburg to offer close collaboration with local teams.
Q: Is this a paid programme?
A: NTT DATA typically provides market-aligned graduate compensation. Confirm specifics on the job listing or recruitment portal.
Q: What career paths follow the programme?
A: Common next steps include campaign management, digital marketing, content strategy, demand generation and product marketing roles.
Q: How competitive is selection?
A: Highly competitive. Strong applications show relevant projects, creative thinking and clarity about marketing ambitions.
Final thoughts: how to decide if this is right for you
The NTT DATA Young Talent Marketing Programme 2026 is an excellent match if you:
- Want to build a career at the intersection of marketing and technology.
- Enjoy writing, storytelling and translating complex ideas into clear messages.
- Are motivated to learn measurement and commercial aspects of marketing.
- Seek mentorship and a structured pathway into a professional marketing role.
If these statements describe you, prepare your application carefully, demonstrate both creativity and commercial awareness, and treat the programme as a year of focused professional transformation.